* Present ownership since 2006
* Automatic transmission
* 53,514 miles from new
* Sports exhaust system (fitted 1997)
Service history

It was the company's 1987 acquisition by Ford which ensured the future of Aston Martin, and the former's takeover of Jaguar two years later which made possible the revival of the DB line, dormant since the end of DB6 production in 1970. Jaguar's axed XJ-S replacement - the XJ41 - was deemed more suitable as an 'entry level' Aston Martin, and work on the project commenced towards the end of 1991, responsibility for the final design being given to Tom Walkinshaw's JaguarSport company.
A shortened and modified XJ6 saloon platform formed the basis for the DB7. Brilliantly styled by Ian Callum in a manner reminiscent of the traditional Aston Martin, the coupé body was notable for employing numerous composite-material panels in its construction. The chosen engine was a 3.2-litre version of the twin-cam, four-valves-per-cylinder AJ-6 unit that had replaced the venerable XK in Jaguar's saloon range. This was endowed with a suitable power output courtesy of a water-cooled Eaton supercharger. The result was 335bhp and a top speed of 160mph, a performance that put the DB7 on a par with rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL and Porsche 928. A little under three years after the DB7's debut at Geneva, the planned Volante convertible was launched simultaneously at the Detroit and Los Angeles Auto Shows in January 1996, the coupé becoming available in the USA at the same time.
This automatic transmission DB7 Volante was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Aston Martin Sale in June 2006 (Lot 144), since when it has been used sparingly, covering only some 9,000 miles in the last 12 years. The immediately preceding owner was an Aston Martin Owners Club area representative; while in his care the Volante won a number of AMOC concours awards, and also took part in the 2005 St George's Day parade at Windsor Castle in front of HM The Queen.
Finished in Highland Purple with purple-piped cream leather interior, the car is described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition, having covered only 53,514 miles from new. It is one of only six examples with this particular finish and the only one in the UK. The car is offered with service history, MoT to February 2019, and a V5C Registration Certificate.